Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium of Patients with Strongyloidiasis Compared with the Control Group

In individuals with compromised immune systems, strongyloidiasis disease can lead to disseminated infections that can be fatal if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. The human gut is composed of numerous bacteria that play essential roles in the development of acquired immunity, and protection against pathogenic factors. This case-control study was conducted on individuals who were referred to the Diagnostic Laboratory of Strongyloidiasis in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After DNA extraction from fecal samples, the 16SrRNA gene was examined using Real-time PCR. The levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum were calculated in both groups (one group consisted of individuals suspected of strongyloidiasis, compared with the other group with no underlying disease). Finally, the collected data were analyzed. Out of 28 participants in this study, 16 (57%) were men and 12 (43%) were women, with ages ranging from 43 to 76 years. A statistically significant relationship was observed between underlying diseases, vegetable washing practices, and clinical symptoms of strongyloidiasis. DNA extraction from the fecal samples was performed using a DNA Extraction kit. The average level of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum were (4.07250±3.132533) 10¹²× and, (6.12857±3.519169) 10¹²× in the case group, respectively, which were lower compared to the control group. However, no significant association was found between the bacterial levels in the case and control groups and the incidence of strongyloidiasis (p>0.05), the control group had (7.04733± 6.542372) 10¹²× and (8.36643± 4.754185) 10¹²×, respectively. The odds ratio for L. acidophilus and B. bifidum were 1.13 and 1.14, respectively. It was observed that for each increase of 10¹² in the microliter of L.acidophilus and B. bifidum in the individual's intestines in areas endemic for strongyloidiasis, the chances of contracting this disease decreased by 13% and 14%, respectively. Future studies with a larger sample size, considering age, gender and other physiological factors related to strongyloidiasis, are suggested.